The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent safety recommendations concerning the rudder control systems on certain Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX aircraft, following an incident where pilots experienced jammed rudder pedals during landing.
The issue came to light after an incident involving a United 737 MAX 8 in Newark earlier this year. According to the NTSB, the rudder pedals on the aircraft were stuck in the neutral position during the landing rollout.
This event prompted an investigation that revealed the problem could affect approximately 350 actuators supplied by Collins Aerospace installed in some 737 NG and MAX jets.
The NTSB’s investigation found that a sealed bearing within these actuators was incorrectly assembled during production, making it susceptible to moisture accumulation. This moisture can freeze at high altitudes, potentially leading to restricted or completely jammed rudder movement, particularly in cold conditions.
In response, the NTSB called on Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take immediate action. Recommendations include determining appropriate responses for flight crews should they encounter a similar issue, and notifying pilots of the potential for the rudder control system to jam in certain conditions.
According to USA Today, the FAA is accepting the NTSB’s recommendation. “As a party to the investigation, the agency has been monitoring this situation closely,” the FAA said in a statement to the outlet. “Tomorrow, we will convene a corrective action review board based upon the NTSB’s interim recommendations and determine next steps.”
United is reportedly the only U.S. airline that has jets equipped with the faulty components, and those have already been replaced or removed.
